Abstract: Imaging systems may be provided with image sensors having an array of image pixels coupled to row control circuitry and verification circuitry. The row control circuitry may provide row control signals to the image pixels for capturing image data. The verification circuitry may receive the row control signals through the array of image pixels. The verification circuitry may identify predetermined ranges of acceptable row control signal magnitudes based on the type of row control signal and the mode of operation of the image sensor. The verification circuitry may be configured to compare row control signal magnitudes to the predetermined acceptable ranges. If the row control signal magnitudes are outside of one or more of the predetermined ranges, circuitry in the imaging system may be shut off and/or a fault signal such as an audible or visible failure alert signal may be produced for an operator of imaging system.

Abstract: A method for testing an electronic memory while the memory is in use includes: (a) detecting an access to the electronic memory at a test address, (b) saving, in a register subsystem, write data written to the electronic memory at a location corresponding to the test address, (c) comparing the write data to data read from the electronic memory at the location corresponding to the test address to determine whether the memory has a fault, and (d) generating an error signal if the memory has a fault.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving dynamic range in image sensors are disclosed. An image sensing device comprises an image sensor having a plurality of rows of pixels, and a controller for controlling the exposure of each row of pixels. The controller is programmed to perform a shutter operation for one of the plurality of rows of pixels, and to sample the one of the plurality of rows after a predetermined duration following the performance of the shutter operation. The predetermined duration is different from a multiple of a row time period of the image sensing device.

Abstract: A method for testing an electronic memory while the memory is in use includes: (a) detecting an access to the electronic memory at a test address, (b) saving, in a register subsystem, write data written to the electronic memory at a location corresponding to the test address, (c) comparing the write data to data read from the electronic memory at the location corresponding to the test address to determine whether the memory has a fault, and (d) generating an error signal if the memory has a fault.

Abstract: Multiple-exposure high dynamic range image processing may be performed that filters pixel values that are distorted by blooming from nearby saturated pixels. Pixel values that are near saturated pixels may be identified as pixels that may be affected by blooming. The contributions from those pixels may be minimized when producing a final image. Multiple-exposure images may be linearly combined to produce a final high dynamic range image. Pixel values that may be distorted by blooming may be given less weight in the linear combination.

Abstract: Row-control signal monitoring system for an electronic imager includes signal processing circuitry coupled a pixel array of the electronic imager which receives at least one row control signal from the pixel array and provides an output signal corresponding to the selected row control signal. Monitoring circuitry compares the output signal to a target value to test the at least one row-control signal.

Abstract: Imaging systems may be provided with image sensors having an array of image pixels coupled to row control circuitry and verification circuitry. The row control circuitry may provide row control signals to the image pixels for capturing image data. The verification circuitry may receive the row control signals through the array of image pixels. The verification circuitry may identify predetermined ranges of acceptable row control signal magnitudes based on the type of row control signal and the mode of operation of the image sensor. The verification circuitry may be configured to compare row control signal magnitudes to the predetermined acceptable ranges. If the row control signal magnitudes are outside of one or more of the predetermined ranges, circuitry in the imaging system may be shut off and/or a fault signal such as an audible or visible failure alert signal may be produced for an operator of imaging system.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving dynamic range in image sensors are disclosed. An image sensing device comprises an image sensor having a plurality of rows of pixels, and a controller for controlling the exposure of each row of pixels. The controller is programmed to perform a shutter operation for one of the plurality of rows of pixels, and to sample the one of the plurality of rows after a predetermined duration following the performance of the shutter operation. The predetermined duration is different from a multiple of a row time period of the image sensing device.

Abstract: Row-control signal monitoring system for an electronic imager includes signal processing circuitry coupled a pixel array of the electronic imager which receives at least one row control signal from the pixel array and provides an output signal corresponding to the selected row control signal. Monitoring circuitry compares the output signal to a target value to test the at least one row-control signal.

Abstract: Multiple-exposure high dynamic range image processing may be performed that filters pixel values that are distorted by blooming from nearby saturated pixels. Pixel values that are near saturated pixels may be identified as pixels that may be affected by blooming. The contributions from those pixels may be minimized when producing a final image. Multiple-exposure images may be linearly combined to produce a final high dynamic range image. Pixel values that may be distorted by blooming may be given less weight in the linear combination.

Abstract: A pixel circuit providing high dynamic operation, and methods of operating the pixel circuit providing for high dynamic operation. Methods include a lateral overflow and a double exposure mode, and a pixel output signal is determined according to whether a photosensor of the pixel circuit is saturated.

Abstract: A pixel circuit providing high dynamic operation, and methods of operating the pixel circuit providing for high dynamic operation. Methods include a lateral overflow and a double exposure mode, and a pixel output signal is determined according to whether a photosensor of the pixel circuit is saturated.

Abstract: An imager device includes a pixel array having some pixels providing output signals for automatic light control with other pixels providing image output signals. Multiple pixel cells of the array may be arranged to obtain sample data indicating the amount of light reaching the array, while image pixels in the array provide captured image data. An exemplary device includes a CMOS pixel array having 4T pixels arranged in rows and columns and having two transfer transistor control lines for each row of the array. Operation of the first transfer transistor line controls the pixels used for ALC operation while operation of the second transfer transistor line controls the pixels used for image capture.

Abstract: An imager device includes a pixel array having some pixels providing output signals for automatic light control with other pixels providing image output signals. Multiple pixel cells of the array may be arranged to obtain sample data indicating the amount of light reaching the array, while image pixels in the array provide captured image data. An exemplary device includes a CMOS pixel array having 4T pixels arranged in rows and columns and having two transfer transistor control lines for each row of the array. Operation of the first transfer transistor line controls the pixels used for ALC operation while operation of the second transfer transistor line controls the pixels used for image capture.

Abstract: A device for electrical coupling between a first and a second pipe section mechanically coupled to each other and forming a pipe adapted for transportation of a fluid. The first pipe section includes a first electric winding and the second pipe section includes a second electric winding. The first and second windings are adapted for inductive coupling between the first and the second pipe section.

Abstract: In apparatus for controlling a fluid production well, a control device D, such as a choke, located downhole is operable selectively by first and second drive means (2,3). First and second power supply means and first and second control channels (ChA, ChB) for control signals are provided for the first and second drive means, the arrangement being such that if one of the power supplies fails, the respective drive means is operable via the other power supply. First and second means (DEM 1A, DEM 1B) for routing control signals from the first and second channels respectively to the first and second drive means are provided, the routing means being interconnected so that, in the event of a fault, control signals from the second channel are routed via the first routing means to the second drive means and/or control signals from the first channel are routed via the second routing means to the first drive means.

Abstract: A device for electrical coupling between a first (3) and a second (4) pipe section mechanically coupled to each other and forming a pipe adapted for transportation of a fluid. The first pipe section comprises a first electric winding (15) and the second pipe section comprises a second electric winding (16). Said first and second windings are adapted for inductive coupling between the first and the second pipe section.